The “Arab Spring” and its Theoretical Significance: Samuel Huntington’s Theory, “The Clash of Civilizations,” Revisited

Authors

Mahmoud "Max" Kashefi, Eastern Illinois University

Keywords

Human Rights, Clash of Civilizations, Universal Cultural, Arab Spring

Abstract

Using the characteristics and the demands of the recent uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa or so called “Arab Spring,” this study questions the significance of some propositions deduced from Huntington’ popular theory of “The Clash of Civilizations.” The research asserts that globalization, especially the development of new technology, has created opportunities for the new generations in the region to be acculturated with a set of values reflecting their basic civilian and human rights. The new values, while credited with the development in the West, belong to all human beings and are gaining the status of universal human culture. The development of this universal culture undermines Huntington’s clash of civilizations. The paper ends with an explanation of why Huntington puts his emphasis on “clashes,” rather than a “universal culture” or “alliance” of cultures.

Recommended Citation

Kashefi, Mahmoud "Max". 2013. "The “Arab Spring” and its Theoretical Significance: Samuel Huntington’s Theory, “The Clash of Civilizations,” Revisited." Societies Without Borders 8 (2): 178-204.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/swb/vol8/iss2/1